Experience days are a great way to get closer to animals we love & want to find out more about, and giving an animal lover a gift experience day can really give them something to look forward & a great day out. Among the many animal gift experiences, there are now a number which concentrate on man's best friend - the dog. So here's a round up of experience days with dogs.

Sheepdog Training Day £99.99West YorkshireSpend up to five hours on a farm and go back to basics, working with nature. You can really tap into the bond between man (or woman) and dog, as you find out about the special skills developed by shepherds over the centuries. Expert tuition is provided by Barbara Sykes, a shepherdess, farmer and dog trainer. Learn the basics of the “language” between the dog & man; the day will help you to “talk” to the dog and to listen to what he or she is trying to say to you. The pace will be controlled to enable you to understand the dog and the sheep and to learn your part in the game. Lunch is not included, but there is a pub nearby. The experience content may vary, but this is surely a great gift for any country lover who wants to try their hand at working with dogs.

Border Collie Experience£100.00LeicestershireLearn to work livestock with a whistle on this fabulous Border Collie experience day! Collies make the perfect sheepdog and this session in the Leicestershire countryside gives you a great insight into how man and dog work together. These experiences are led by Nij Vyas, the internationally renowned Border Collie trainer, handler and author. Find out how these dogs are taught from young pups, discover more about their roles in modern day farming - and learn about whistle commands! By the end of the day, you'll be calling commands and maybe even getting the sheep dog to do basic moves! Courses run from 10am - 2.30pm with a break for lunch (not included). Fetch more details from Into the Blue

One Night Pampered Pooch Break at The Pilgrim Hotel£120Herefordshire The one night stay includes dinner, bed and breakfast for one person and one pet. You can check in from 2pm. Upon arrival you will be shown to the room that will be yours for the duration of your stay. You will receive a Doggie-treat-pack including chews and a toy. An evening meal at the hotel's on-site restaurant is included. Breakfast is served before check out before 10am the next day. Find out more from Buy a Gift

How about giving your pet a Pet Photoshoot? £29 This is something different to do with your pet - take him or her to a photoshoot! Your experience will include a portrait session for your pet. You will also receive a complimentary 10"x8" colour image of your choice. A separate viewing appointment is arranged after your session so that you can choose your favourite image - then you can also buy additional prints. You have to pay a £35 deposit when you book, but this is fully refunded after your experience. There are over 100 locations in the UK; photoshoots last roughly an hour but it depends on the location. Go to Activity Superstore for more information.

If you've got a dog who likes to be kept active, or a clever cat, take a look at Zooplus - they have brain games for dogs and toys for clever cats. Give your pet something to think about and something to do! Click here to see the games from Zooplus.